When I think of a merry, happy, free young girl -- and look at the ailing, aching state a young read more

When I think of a merry, happy, free young girl -- and look at the ailing, aching state a young wife generally is doomed to -- which you can't deny is the penalty of marriage.

She is a winsome wee thing,
She is a handsome wee thing,
She is a bonny wee read more

She is a winsome wee thing,
She is a handsome wee thing,
She is a bonny wee thing,
This sweet wee wife o' mine.

Thy wife is a constellation of virtues; she's the moon, and thou
art the man in the moon.

Thy wife is a constellation of virtues; she's the moon, and thou
art the man in the moon.

Oh! 'tis a precious thing, when wives are dead,
To find such numbers who will serve instead:
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Oh! 'tis a precious thing, when wives are dead,
To find such numbers who will serve instead:
And in whatever state a man be thrown,
'Tis that precisely they would wish their own.

If you would have a good wife, marry one who has been a good daughter.

If you would have a good wife, marry one who has been a good daughter.

So bent on self-sanctifying,--
That she never thought of trying
To save her poor husband as well.

So bent on self-sanctifying,--
That she never thought of trying
To save her poor husband as well.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the
bread of idleness.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the
bread of idleness.

Now voe me I can zing on my business abrode:
Though the storm do beat down on my poll,
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Now voe me I can zing on my business abrode:
Though the storm do beat down on my poll,
There's a wife brighten'd vire at the end of my road,
An' her love, voe the jay o' my soul.

Were such the wife had fallen to my part,
I'd break her spirit, or I'd break her heart.

Were such the wife had fallen to my part,
I'd break her spirit, or I'd break her heart.